Have A Word: An Interview With Kid Acne

Kid Acne has been a prominent figure on the UK art scene for almost as long as I’ve had an interest in art. On top of that, he’s been making rap records for over 20 years, including his most recent effort, Hauntology Codes, alongside blog favourite, Spectacular Diagnostics. We both live in the same city now and I’ve been fortunate enough to hang out with him a couple of times, so I thought it might be a good idea to turn one of our chats into an interview.
So in what is my most expansive interview to date, we spoke about a diverse range of topics, including the new album, his artistic origin story, his relationship with Lex Records, the perils of keeping art and music separate, and doing magic mushrooms while travelling through a hail storm in a car with Quelle Chris.

Hauntology Codes is out now via Lex.

Photos by Rob Searle.

Spectacular Diagnostics: If You Feel Like a Lost Soul

A new serving of beats here from Spectacular Diagnostics, as he unleashes his latest tape on to us mere mortals. The Chicago producer has recently joined the ranks of Blah Records, kicking off with a successful collaboration alongside the ever-prolific Bisk. Now he’s back with his first solo offering for the label and as you will hear, it’s a match made in production heaven. Not only that, but the whole tape is laced with scratches from the mighty Marcus Pinn. Check out the full-length visual above, or go seek out your ideal download and streaming options right here.

Kid Acne: Batman on Horseback + LP News

Multi-hyphenate Kid Acne is back on the rap radar with a new single, taken from his forthcoming album. Batman on Horseback is lifted from Hauntology Codes, which is due out soon on Lex Records. The album is produced in full by regular collaborator, Spectacular Diagnostics, and it also features a bevy of vocal talent from UK greats, Sonnyjim, King Kashmere and Cappo.

Bisk & Spectacular Diagnostics: DIORETIX (Stream)

Spectacular Diagnostics looks to UK shores for his latest collaboration, as he unites with one of the more prolific voices of the era – Bisk. Together they have made DIORETIX, 16 relatively short bursts of tracks with only one feature from fellow Blah affiliate, CLBRKS. According to my interview with Spec, he and Bisk have a stack of material in the vault so keep an ear out for more new music possibly emerging in the future. For now though, you can stream DIORETIX below, with downloads available via Bandcamp.

Spectacular Diagnostics: Raw Lessons (Stream)

Following some much deserved hype and anticipation, the new album from Spectacular Diagnostics arrives in all its splendour today. Raw Lessons is another feature heavy affair, with some truly unique pairings, including a track with Immi Larusso and Bruiser Wolf, while elsewhere regular Spec collaborator, Kid Acne, joins forces with Sonnyjim. There are also features from the likes of Fatboi Sharif, Lee Scott, CLBRKS and TheDeadCanRap. The album is available to preview below, then head to Bandcamp to check the full lineup and secure ownership of the vinyl or a download.

Spectacular Diagnostics ft. Curly Castro, Illogic & Defcee: Class + LP News

Spectacular Diagnostics is gearing up for the release of a new album, which looks set to continue the pretty formidable run he has been on for the last few years. The Chicago producer has a habit of amassing an impeccable roster of guests for his releases and the tracklist for RAW LESSONS is further proof of that particular skill.
Take the new single, Class, which features a trio of commanding voices, in the form of Curly Castro, Illogic and Defcee. Elsewhere on the album, we find a diverse range of appearances from the likes of Sonnyjim, Bruiser Wolf, CLBRKS, Fatboi Sharif and Lee Scott, collectively bringing forth one of the most intriguing lineups I’ve seen for years.
You’ve got to wait until March for the full release, but if you head over to Bandcamp you can hear another feature from King Kashmere, as well as one of the instrumental cuts that pepper the album. Pre-orders for digital and vinyl are also available.

PENPALS & Spectacular Diagnostics: Dimensions of Dialogue (Stream)

Spectacular Diagnostics has a habit of bringing out the best in anyone he works with and this is more than evident on his latest collaboration, alongside NY rap trio, PENPALS. Dimensions of Dialogue features more sci-fi tinged production from the man behind the beats, while the PENPALS brand of rhyming seems to have been tailor made for the musical backdrop. Entertaining and engaging. Check it out for yourself below, then hit Bandcamp to grab a download.

Spectacular Diagnostics: Ancient Methods (Stream)

Another essential new release from November, is the new album from Spectacular Diagnostics. Following on from the earlier acclaimed, Natural Mechanics, Ancient Methods saw Spec delivering his second win of the year. That win is thanks in part to the guest spots on the album, which featured billy woods, ELUCID and Nosaj, as well as plenty of typically tight instrumentals, including my personal favourite, Crystal Ball Emoji. You can peruse the album for yourself below, then go show your support over on Bandcamp and cop the vinyl before they all vanish.

Spectacular Diagnostics ft. ELUCID: Chickenskin

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I already warned you that Spectacular Diagnostics was returning with a new album which boasts three outstanding features, and now that prophecy is materialising thanks to the release of this latest single. Chickenskin features one of the most powerful voices in rap right now, courtesy of a killer appearance from ELUCID, who once again manages to make my head spin in the best way possible. You can hear the track below and then get your ass over to Bandcamp to secure a pre-order before Ancient Methods arrives in full next month.

Spectacular Diagnostics: Raw Transmissions + LP News

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Spectacular Diagnostics has been busy putting together a new album, which looks like it could be his second win of the year, following on from the release of Natural Mechanics back in May. While that album presented a lighter and mellower side to Spec’s production, Ancient Methods will be a return to a sound similar to that he captured on Raw Unknown in 2020. And like that album, this new project will feature a few notable guests, including billy woods, ELUCID and Nosaj. Pre-orders for the album went live yesterday, along with the first single, Raw Transmissions, which you can hear below.